Dear SPU Community
The COVID-19 infection rate across the country have increased as we entered this fifth wave of the pandemic. Sol Plaatje University has been fortunate to escape high levels of infection in the past and we will continue in our efforts in this regard.
Currently, we have two cases of COVID-19 infection amongst our staff and one case of a COVID-19 infection amongst the student body. The staff who are ill are isolating and recovering at home. The student who has the infection has been moved to an off-campus isolation facility and will receive medical care there while recovering. The close contacts of that student have been isolated in their student residences and will receive their meals in their rooms until we receive the results of their COVID-19 tests. We will then decide on the best course of action for all concerned and the SPU community.
In the meantime, academic and operational activities of the University will continue as planned. Where meetings or lectures can take place online that is the preferred mode of engagement at the moment.
Further communication about infection rates, preventative measures, health and safety protocols and any changes to the University operations will be sent to you in due course.
Considering that the COVID-19 pandemic is continuing unabated and the overwhelming proof that vaccination is the most effective step that we can take to protect ourselves and others against COVID-19, I urge the SPU community to get vaccinated, if they have not already done so.
We need to remain vigilant and maintain our preventative measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay at home when you show symptoms of being ill.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Cough etiquette involves maintaining distance, covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and washing your hands.
I trust that we will once again pull together as a community to keep the COVID-19 infection rates low. I wish you all continued good health and a full recovery if you are ill.
Kind regards
Professor Andrew M Crouch
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
